Liberty Closes Grip on Sirius

By

John Jannarone

Updated Aug. 17, 2012 6:01 p.m. ET

The battle between John Malone and Mel Karmazin for control of Sirius XM may be nearing its end.

Late Friday, Mr. Malone's Liberty Media said it had asked the Federal Communications Commission for approval to take outright control of Sirius XM Radio Inc., noting it plans to raise its stake in the satellite-radio operator above 50%.